References and guarantors, explained

Before a tenancy starts, we check that the home is affordable for you. That's what referencing is for. It isn't a judgement about you, and it's free: the Tenant Fees Act 2019 bans fees for references, for guarantors as well as tenants.

What referencing involves

• Proof of income. 3 months of payslips, 2 years of accounts if you're self-employed, or benefit award letters. Benefits count just like wages.
• A credit check. Credit reference agencies hold records that include County Court Judgments, bankruptcy and insolvency. We look for no unpaid County Court Judgments, bankruptcy or debt relief order.
• A Right to Rent check for every adult who will live in the home. See our Right to Rent guide.

It can help to look at your own credit file first. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) says you can ask any of the three main agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) for a free "statutory report".

Your information

The ICO explains that the law doesn't require your consent for a credit search, but it does require that you're told the search will happen. When an organisation collects your information, it should tell you why, how long it will keep it and who it will share it with. You can also ask for a copy of the information held about you, and organisations usually have one month to reply.

Guarantors

A guarantor is someone, often a parent or close relative, who agrees to pay your rent if you don't. If you don't pay, the landlord can ask them instead, and can take them to court if they don't pay either.

• It must be in writing. A guarantee has to be written down and signed by the guarantor to be enforceable.
• Read it together. Depending on its wording, a guarantee can cover more than rent, such as damage. Citizens Advice suggests your guarantor reads the tenancy agreement too, so they know exactly what they're guaranteeing.
• What we look for. A guarantor earning at least 2.5 times the rent, with a good credit record. They don't need to own their home.
• A newer protection. For guarantees made since 1 May 2026, the law means that in most cases a guarantor isn't liable for rent due after the death of the tenant they're guaranteeing.

Find out more

• Credit and credit reference agencies (ICO)
• Your right to be informed (ICO)
• Getting copies of your information (ICO)
• If you need a guarantor to start renting (Citizens Advice)
• Tenant Fees Act 2019, section 1 (legislation.gov.uk)